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Galling: meaning, definitions and examples

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galling

 

[ ˈɡɔː.lɪŋ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

irritating situation

Galling refers to something that causes annoyance, irritation, or exasperation. It often describes situations, comments, or behaviors that are particularly frustrating or vexing. The term can also imply a sense of humiliation or embarrassment. In many contexts, something described as galling is painful or hurtful to one’s pride.

Synonyms

annoying, exasperating, irritating, vexing

Examples of usage

  • His galling remarks about her performance made everyone uncomfortable.
  • It's galling to see someone else take credit for your work.
  • The galling truth is that he was right all along.
  • She found it galling that he ignored her advice.

Translations

Translations of the word "galling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritante

🇮🇳 कष्टकारी

🇩🇪 ärgerlich

🇮🇩 menyebalkan

🇺🇦 дратівливий

🇵🇱 irytujący

🇯🇵 苛立たしい

🇫🇷 agaçant

🇪🇸 irritante

🇹🇷 rahatsız edici

🇰🇷 짜증나는

🇸🇦 مزعج

🇨🇿 obtěžující

🇸🇰 irritujúci

🇨🇳 令人恼火的

🇸🇮 nervirajoč

🇮🇸 óþægilegur

🇰🇿 жәбірлеуші

🇬🇪 შემაწუხებელი

🇦🇿 narahat edici

🇲🇽 irritante

Etymology

The word 'galling' originates from the Old English 'gallan,' which means 'to irritate or vex.' It first appeared in the English language during the 13th century, and its usage has evolved over time. Initially, it was related to the idea of gall, referring to bile or bitterness, which has metaphorical implications of something that causes deep-seated irritation or anger. The word 'gall' itself comes from the Latin 'galla,' meaning 'bitter,' and it has connections to feeling annoyed or outraged. As English evolved, 'galling' came to describe those particular situations or comments that stimulate a strong emotional response, particularly frustration or embarrassment. In modern usage, the term has kept this connotation and is often employed to express feelings about unfairness or indignity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,602, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.